The route for today’s ride went north on what I named “Kingwood – Patton Village – Kingwood” route. I ride this way but usually either go to Splendora or turn at SH 242. This time I made the u-turn under I-69/US59 at Creekwood Lane. Bicycling 37.1 miles pushed September to 190 miles, just 110 away from my goal.
Sadly as I biked north on the service road at the Grand Parkway I heard a siren from the MCHD ambulance making the u-turn at Community Drive and going north. As I crested the hill at the stop lights I could see the traffic was backed up on the freeway and in the distance flashing lights. As I made my way through the intersections and back down the hill I got closer to the scene. As I rode past I saw a motorcycle laying on the shoulder and people standing nearby. About 200 yards north a school bus was parked on the shoulder with a Splendora Police cruiser on the service road. A couple of people from the bus walked to the rear. I don’t know what happened but I suspect the motorcycle and bus came together. The traffic and emergency crew were still there when I returned on the south bound service road after turning at Patton Village. I said a prayer as I rode by.
The weather was beautiful again today. I started the ride at 11:36 AM after watching Alberto Contador win stage 20 of the Vuelta a Espana, his final mountain stage of his professional career. It was 81 degrees, 55% humidity, clear blue sky and a light 8 mph north breeze. I took these pictures at the Woodridge Forest Community Center to show the colorful flowers and sky.
On the ride to the north the wind tried to slow me down but I kept improving my overall average speed and when I made the u-turn the wind became a helper instead of a hindrance. Back at SH 242 I made a right to turn to go through the SpeedSportz drive and then back to the service road. Staying on the service road bicycling to the south I made a quick stop at the New Caney Mobil station for water and ice. My average speed continued to increase and topped out at 15.3 mph when I waited at the traffic light at FM 1314 on Valley Ranch Parkway. After riding into Briar Tree I opted to go through Auburn Trail to I-69/US59 and back on the south service road. With the wind still at my back I made good time and bumped up the overall average speed to 15.4 mph. Stopping at the Valero station on Northpark Drive I rested for about 10 minutes eating a couple of fruit & grain cereal bars and drinking my water. This was at the 29.4 mile point.
Leaving the Valero station I continued south to Kingwood Drive, made the u-turn and started the way back into Kingwood. I finished the ride at 2:29 PM with the sky still very blue, 84 degrees and 53% humidity.
Strava recorded two best results during my ride.
More great weather tomorrow and I plan on a ride.
Strava Ride Summary
